The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Na’Abba

  • Ganduje mourns ex-Reps Speaker Na’Abba

    Ganduje mourns ex-Reps Speaker Na’Abba

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has described the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba was a thoroughbred politician and legislator who meant well for the country.

    This eulogy was contained in a condolence message by Ganduje through his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja on Wednesday, December 27, on the passage of the former lawmaker.

    Na’Abba, the second speaker of the lower chamber of the National Assembly in the current 4th Republic, died in the wee hours of Wednesday.

    Expressing his condolences, Ganduje recalled the pivotal role Na’Abba played when he served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives to entrench the independence of the legislative arm of government even in the face of provocation by top operatives of the executive arm.

    Read Also: Na’Abba was one of Nigeria’s finest lawmakers, says speaker Abbas

    Eulogising the late Speaker, the APC chairman said: “His rich experiences and doggedness even when faced with the risk of impeachment were contributory to whatever achievements we recorded at the National Assembly today. He diligently served Nigeria. His wit, intellect, diligence, and warm personality were legendary.”

    He prayed to Allah to grant him Aljana Firdaus and grant the entire members of the Na’Abba family, the people of Kano State, and Nigeria at large the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss.

    Na’Abba was elected Member of the House of Representatives in 1999 from Kano State. He became the Speaker a few months after the inauguration of the House following the resignation of the then Speaker, Salisu Buhari, from the same Kano State, over certificate forgery scandal.

  • Na’Abba, Agbakoba, Balewa, Awolowo lead People’s Trust campaign

    THE People’s Trust (PT) has constituted its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 presidential election.

    The council will be working for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who was endorsed and adopted by the Northcentral zone last week.

    According to a statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Nasiru Kura, the campaign council will be led by Ghali Umar Na’Abba as chairman. Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Abgakoba will serve as co-chairman.

    Na’Abba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently resigned as All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees member.

    A former Minister of State for Transport, Alhaji Aliyu Habu Fari, will serve as Director General of the PT’s Campaign Council to be assisted by three co-Deputy Director Generals.

    They are Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, Director General of the National Intervention Movement, Dr. Dale Ogunbayo and Mathias Tsado, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the ADP.

    The campaign council has three co-vice chairmen, Dr. Abduljhalil Tafawa Balewa, Lady Funke Awolowo and Dr. Ojay Samuel .

    Other notable Nigerians in the 90-member council are the party’s National Secretary, Kura, from the Northwest as party representative; Dr. Segun Awe Obe from the Southwest; Women Leader Mrs. Ajoh Torkwase, from the Northcentral; Youth Leader Mr. Abayomi Mighty, Southwest; Mr. Anthony Akika, zonal representative, Northcentral and  Mrs. Temidola Job, zonal representative (Southwest).

    Others are Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike, zonal rep (Southeast); Dr. Osagie  Obayuwana, zonal representative (Southsouth); Alhaji Shehu Sambo, zonal representative (Northeast); Chief of Staff to the PT’s presidential candidate, Mr. Kamal Adebayo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Daniella Dan Suleiman; the Chief Press Secretary Hassan Ibrahim; state chairpersons of the party; state campaign coordinators and Allied presidential candidates/ aspirants from the six geopolitical zones.

  • Kukah, Na’Abba, seek end to killings

    Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Mathew Kukah, and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives Ghali N’Abba, at the weekend called for an end to the killings in some parts of the country.

    They spoke at the graduation of students of Pacesetter Group of Schools in Abuja.

    Kukah said: “I don’t think where Nigeria is now does good to anybody. Prayers are important but they are not enough. We need to also see some really practical actions.

    “We are hemorrhaging badly. Everybody who lives in this country knows and whatever needs to be done— and I think those in power understand what needs to be done and we need to be properly communicated with.

    “We cannot have a country where illiterate people, people who have no contribution to really make to this country, wherever they are coming from, men and women of darkness to take over the country. It is not acceptable and the reason why government exists is to secure the territorial space of Nigeria. Where we are, we are not working.”

    N’Abba said: “I think a long time ago communities must have been engaged properly by this administration. I don’t think communities are being engaged. These conflicts have been raging on even before this administration and I thought the administration must have been prepared enough to meet with most communities where these conflicts have been taking place with a view to engaging them not on one off basis but on a continuous basis. I don’t see this happening.

    “I don’t think it has been handled in the most appropriate manner. I don’t think he (Buhari) can handle this problem alone and the impression he has given most people is that he is working alone.

    “If he wants to solve problems in this country he has to engage many people as possible- elders, the party and everybody that can assist. Problems cannot be solved just governmentally and that is what I think they are doing and not everybody in the government possess the right kind of wisdom for them to be able to solve this intricate problems.”

    Chairman of Pacesetters Group of Scools, Mr.  Kenneth Imansuangbon, described the situation in the country as disturbing.

    He blamed the violence and killings in the country on the struggle for power by politicians.

    Imansuangbon, a lawyer, said: “What is happening in our country today is very laughable and disturbing. This is not the Nigeria that we know. This was not the Nigeria Tafawa Balewa, Saudana, Okotie-Eboh, Prof. Ambros Ali, Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Okpara gave to us. They left a good and united country for us. In their time there were no killings.

    “I will hold the past 17 years of politicians responsible for this evil and shameful killings. As far as I am concerned I have no respect for any politician because they are selfish and greedy.

    “I don’t think this is a Christian – Muslim war but the drums of war are beating. We can see it.

    “We need to support the president now for us to have peace, good elections, create jobs, for roads to work and for water to run. Every Nigerian has the constitutional responsibility to make sure the country works.

    “It’s a shame to our generation that we are now human killers and eaters. What is happening in Nigeria if you don’t know the consequence, it will take the next 100 years for somebody to believe in our country. Do you think a serious human being will want to invest in Nigeria with the killings? Very soon if we don’t stop this nonsense everybody will pay the price- both the rich and the poor.”

  • Na’Abba: Wike is the type of leader Nigeria needs

    Na’Abba: Wike is the type of leader Nigeria needs

    Former  House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Na’abba has described Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as the type of leader needed for Nigeria’s  rapid development.

    Na’abba endorsed Wike’s brand of politics,  which he said is focused on the development of all communities, kindness to all politicians irrespective of their political affiliation and display of  uncommon maturity in all political situations.

    Na’abba spoke yesterday after he inaugurated the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    He said with his political attitude and high level performance in office, Governor Wike will grow to be the President of Nigeria.

    Na’Abba said: “The message I have for Governor Wike is that this kind hearted politics, this statesmanship that you have demonstrated, please continue.  Nigeria needs politicians like Governor Wike.  With this kind of posture, one day, you will become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Should you declare for the Presidency one day, count on my support and that of those under me. What we need in this country is this kind  of attitude.  Attitude of friendship.”

    Na’abba commended the Rivers State governor for playing inclusive politics that promotes development. He said it takes statesmanship for a governor to construct projects in the communities of his opponents.

    He noted that the brand of politics being practiced by Governor Wike will introduce sanity into the political terrain.

    Former Deputy Speaker Chibodum Nwuche said Governor Wike is not just politician, but a statesman.

    He said the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road was abandoned by Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, because of him (Nwuche).

    The Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Governor Wike released funds for the construction of the road, despite the fact he (Nwuche) is a member of the APC.

    He said: “I tell people that politics is about the people.  People love Wike for his good works.  They love him for the roads he has for Ahoada people . I urge Governor Wike to keep being the good person that he is”

    Wike stated that he constructed the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in fulfilment of his promise to Nwuche.

    Wike said: “This road was abandoned because of Chibodum Nwuche and I gave him my word that we shall construct the road.

    “We cannot allow our people to suffer simply because their leader belongs to another political party”.

    He said that under his leadership there is no  politics of victimisation because everyone is carried along in the spirit of New Rivers State.

    “There is no politics  of victimisation in Rivers State. The only political party we have in this state  is Rivers State.  All of us are working for Rivers State “, he said.

    The governor  urged  all the people of the state to attract developmental projects, whenever  they have the opportunity.

    Commissioner  of Works Dum Dekor said the length of the road is 8.4kilometres. Member Representing Ahoada East Constituency 2, Mr Ehie Edison stated that the prople will support  Governor Wike for  a second term.

  • Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua, Jonathan, Buhari are accidental leaders, says Na’Abba

    Former Speaker of House of Representatives Ghali Umar Na’Abba has described the leaders that ruled Nigeria in the last 18 years as accidental leaders going by the process of their emergence.

    Na’Abba spoke in Abuja at the 2016/2017 Matriculation and Fellowship Endowment Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS).

    He blamed the country’s leadership recruitment process for the accidental leadership problem.

    The ex-Speaker said: “Circumstances at hand or situations on ground have to a large extent over the years determined, who and who was elected into office in Nigeria as President since 1999 as against level of preparedness on the part of the leaders in terms of clear vision and programmes obtainable in most democracies of the world, culminating in accidental leadership for the country.”

    According him, accidental leadership brings about trial and error in governance, which, he said, has been the lot of Nigeria since 1999 till date.

    Na’Abba said this has led to poor governance and frustrations on the part of Nigerians.

    He expressed regret that leadership recruitment process in Nigeria has been hijacked by a few politicians.

    He urged for what he called regular ‘tutorials’ for political leaders at all levels and called on more Nigerians to participate in politics with a view to opening up the political space.

    The former speaker said: “I believe that not just the Legislature, every arm of government that is serving the purpose of governance must invest in exposing democracy to the people. It is a sad commentary on our political life that today recruitment into leadership has been subverted by a few politicians because they deny Nigerians opportunity to contest elections and achieve their aspirations through the systematic appropriation of political parties to themselves

    “These politicians have stopped the growth of democracy. And it is true that unless democracy is allowed to grow, we cannot achieve the desired political growth, we cannot achieve the desired economic growth and we can also not achieve the desired social growth in our country. And that is why we are still in political, economic and social doldrums. We have been having successive accidental leaders since 1999.

    “It is time for us to begin to understand that the more participation Nigerians enjoy in politics, the more political development we attain; and consequently, economic and social development.

    “We have been advocating that tutorials must be taking place on a continuous basis for stakeholders in democracy from the local governments to the states. Every stakeholder, particularly party executives, because what is sad today is that most of those who hold positions at the executive level on our political parties cannot distinguish the duties, functions and distinction between and among our political institutions. So, with this lack of knowledge it is almost impossible for them to understand the kind of people that should serve at various levels”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara said the National Assembly had made appreciable efforts in fulfilling its democratic obligations to Nigerians by paying particular attention to capacity-building.

    Dogara explained that parliamentary capacity development was important to ensure balance of power among the branches of a democratic system.

    He hailed NILS/UNIBEN for the programmes designed to build capacity of legislative staff.

    The speaker said the knowledge imparted to participants would build a pool of competent staff and members to enhance international best practices in the discharge of their duties.

    Director General NILS Prof. Ladi Hamalai congratulated the students and urged them to take their studies seriously.

    Over 85 students matriculated in Masters in Legislative Drafting, Masters in Parliamentary Administration as well as Masters in Legislative Studies.

    Besides Na’Abba, four former presiding officers of the National Assembly received NILS Award of Fellowship.

    They include: former Senate President from 1979 to 1983, Senator Joseph Wayas; Dr. Ken Nnamani (2005 to 2007); Aminu Bello Masari (2003 to 2007), who is Katsina State Governor and former Deputy Senate President Senator Ibrahim Mantu (2001 to 2007).

  • Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua , Jonathan , Buhari are accidental leaders , says Na’Abba

    Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua , Jonathan , Buhari are accidental leaders , says Na’Abba

    Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, has said that all the leaders that ruled the country during the last 18 years are accidental leaders going by the process of their emergence.

    Na’abba stated this in Abuja at the  2016/2017 Matriculation and Fellowship Endowment Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS).

    He blamed the country’s leadership recruitment process for the accidental leadership problem.

    Na’Abba said,  “Circumstances at hand or situations on ground  have to a large extent over the years determined who and who was elected into office in Nigeria as President since 1999 as against level of preparedness on the part of the leaders in terms of clear vision and programmes obtainable in most democracies of the world culminating in accidental leadership for the country. “

    According him, accidental leadership brings about trial and error in governance which he said has been the lot of Nigeria since 1999 till date with attendant poor governance and frustrations on the part of Nigerians .

     He expressed regret that leadership recruitment process in the country has been hijacked by a few politicians.

    He called for regular ‘tutorials’ for political leaders at all levels and called on more Nigerians to participate in politics with a view to opening up the political space.

    “I believe that not just the Legislature, every arm of government that is serving the purpose of governance must invest in exposing democracy to the people. It is a sad commentary on our political life that today recruitment into leadership has been subverted by a few politicians because they deny Nigerians opportunity to contest elections and achieve their aspirations through the systematic appropriation of political parties to themselves

     “These politicians have stopped the growth of democracy. And it is true that unless democracy is allowed to grow, we cannot achieve the desired political growth, we cannot achieve the desired economic growth and we can also not achieve the desired social growth in our country. And that is why we are still in political, economic and social duldrums. We have been having successive accidental leaders since 1999.

     “It is time for us to begin to understand that the more participation Nigerians enjoy in politics, the more political development we attain. And consequently economic and social development.

        “We have been advocating that tutorials must be taking place on a continuous basis for stakeholders in democracy from the local governments to the states. Every stakeholder particularly party executives because what is sad today is that most of those who hold positions at the executive level on our political parties cannot distinguish the duties, functions and distinction between and among our political institutions. So, with this lack of knowledge it is almost impossible for them to understand the kind of people that should serve at various levels”.

     On his part, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the National Assembly had made appreciable efforts in fulfilling its democratic obligations to Nigerians by paying particular attention to capacity building.

    Dogara explained that parliamentary capacity development was important to ensure balance of power among the branches of a democratic system.

     He commended NILS/UNIBEN for the programmes designed to build capacity of legislative staff.

     He said that the knowledge imparted to participants would build a pool of competent staff and members to enhance international best practices in the discharge of their duties.

     Director General NILS, Prof. Ladi Hamalai, congratulated the students and urged them to take their studies seriously.

    Over 85 students matriculated in Masters in Legislative Drafting, Masters in Parliamentary Administration as well as Masters in Legislative Students.

    Besides Na’Abba, four former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly received NILS Award of Fellowship. They include: former Senate President from 1979 to 1983, Sen. Joseph Wayas; Dr. Ken Nnamani (2005 to 2007); Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari (2003 to 2007) and current Governor of Katsina State and former Deputy Senate President Sen. Ibrahim Mantu (2001 to 2007).

  • OBJ: Thank you, Na’abba

    Sir: Last week, former speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’abba, was constrained to label ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) as one of the most corrupt leaders Nigeria has ever had.  Early this year, some members of the National Assembly poured similar invective on him. All of this venom, which is undeserving of a ‘statesman’, was in response to unstatesmanlike remarks he made about the lawmakers regarding opening up their accounts to public scrutiny and the raging controversy over budget padding in the House of Representatives. But even before these, ex-President Obasanjo had become the butt of insults for his rank popularity for rash utterances and conduct unbecoming of an individual of his status.

    When Obasanjo launched an onslaught against Jonathan by writing open letters and publicly denouncing him and his government, it was perceived to be the height of insensitivity to the noble ideals that dictate the engagement of national leaders with one another. Ironically, it is those very people that stood on the side-lines and cheered OBJ that are now agonizing over his bitter jibes! Anyway, it must be observed that the world over, and as we have seen in the case of other past Nigerian leaders, former heads of states strictly abide by and unwritten creed, an esprit de corps if you wish, of never publicly denouncing or interfering in the affairs of incumbents. Even when it becomes absolutely necessary, it is done with such decorum that shouldn’t scandalize the person or office of the incumbent. This is because no matter the degeneracy of incumbents, the very sanctity of their offices must be respected and protected by patriotic citizens, irrespective of their position in society. But not so for Obasanjo who carries on his obnoxious campaigns with so much bile; casting aspersions on individuals without any respect for the institutions they represent.

    I strongly believe that public officers must always apply the most dignified level of conscientiousness and diligence in running their affairs, especially in the highly tricky matters of finance. Those who betray this trust must be made to face the full wrath of the law. Therefore, if the National Assembly is indeed a cesspit of corruption as OBJ has continued to shout on rooftops, it must be prosecuted strictly within the ambits of the law. No more, no less. Moreover, OBJ has the right to quietly summon heads of anti-graft agencies to Otta and reveal his evidence to them. And as a father and elder, he could have quietly summoned Saraki and, or, Dogara and cautioned and advised them appropriately. Such are the ways and methods of real statesmen who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of the polity and the individuals at their helm.

    No doubt, occupying public office in Nigeria comes with too many temptations that very few can resist. Stealing from the public till, taking bribes, nepotism, etc, have been perfected into pleasurable pastimes in government. Incidentally, Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a maximum ruler. Those years of military dictatorship witnessed some of the most spectacular pillaging of our national treasury. He also holds the distinction of once more leading Nigeria for a record eight years; a period when the war on corruption had not been put on the front burner of national policy and public discourse as today. These, and his saint-like posture, must have compelled Na’abba to challenge him to disclose the source of his wealth; which echoed earlier sentiments by certain powerful voices in the National Assembly. As a man who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives when OBJ was president, could Na’abba’s claims be completely unfounded?

     

    • Chris Gyang,

    Jos.

  • Na’abba: lawmakers got N50m each to support Obasanjo’s third term bid

    Na’abba: lawmakers got N50m each to support Obasanjo’s third term bid

    •’Budget padding not possible without executive backing’

    Former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Umar Na’abba has claimed money was shared to get lawmakers’ support for ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term project.

    He said some senators collected N50 million each. He added that some House of Representatives members got N40 million each to back the bid.

    Na’abba, who was Speaker of the green chamber during President Obasanjo’s first tenure, spoke while fielding questions from reporters.

    He said: “I am aware that during the tenure elongation attempt of Obasanjo, money was shared to members of the National Assembly. It was alleged that senators collected N50 million each and House of Representatives members N40 million each. But I also know that it was not all members that collected this money. Some collected; some of them did not. But I am aware that money was shared.”

    Na’abba said Obasanjo should explain to Nigerians how he became one of the richest Nigerians after leaving office, when he virtually had nothing before he assumed office.

    He said: “Well, I don’t think there is anybody that is more corrupt in this country like the former President.

    “As the Speaker, I took Obasanjo on various expenditure offences, which he could not defend and didn’t show any remorse. In fact, that is why sometime in 2002, the National Assembly tried to impeach him.

    “So, he has not got the integrity to call anybody corrupt. This is a man who became the President with nothing, today he is one of the richest Nigerians. Let him explain to Nigerians how he acquired these wealth.”

    On the padding row in the House of Representatives, he said if items of expenditure were added without knowledge of other members, it amounts to padding, which, according to him, is illegal.

    Reacting to the claim by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, that padding was not an offence, Na’abba said: “Well, it all depends from what angle one is looking at it. The responsibility for appropriation in this country belongs to the National Assembly, So, there is no way that the National Assembly can vote anything and it will be called padding.

    “If you are talking about padding, which I believe is generally accepted to be illegal, it must be a situation whereby certain members of the National Assembly will add certain items of expenditure behind their colleagues. If any item of expenditure is added behind other members, then that item can be said to be illegal and it can be called padding.”

  • Buhari, Na’Abba, Alake meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Na’Abba, Alake meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday met for about one hour with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting, which was called ‘private’, was held at the President’s office.

    The oba, who went to the President’s office alone, did not speak with State House correspondents at end of the meeting.

    No official statement concerning the meeting was issued by the Presidency.

    After the meeting with the oba, President Buhari met  with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

    Buhari also received a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice George Oguntade, in his office.

    The duo, who came separately, did not also speak with reporters at the end of their meetings.

  • Buhari favoured to win, says Na’abba

    Buhari favoured to win, says Na’abba

    A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’abba, formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, barely 48 hours after dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said the country needed change, stressing that the momentum favoured the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to win.

    Na’abba added that he decided to join the APC to help to grow the momentum for change.

    He spoke while addressing APC leaders at a session at the party’s national secretariat to welcome him into the fold.

    His words: “I believe that most of you must have read or heard about my communication to my former party – the PDP. The total sum of my communication was that I have decided to leave the party, having being a member for the past 16 years with a brief interregnum of about one year.

    “I believe that more than any time in the history of this country, this country needs a change, particularly at the top. In the last 16 years, there has been misrule in this country. Nigerians are being misruled by successive presidents of the PDP. Some of us fought over these tendencies to no success.

    “I believe that the momentum today is in favour of the APC to change this country and we must never allow the momentum to go down. It is in that quest, that I feel that having resigned from the PDP, I must join the APC so that I can help grow that momentum.

    “It is quite remarkable that since I left the PDP, I have been receiving calls and messages of encouragement from across Nigeria. This is to show that APC is a national party and not what they use to regard it as a religious and sectional party. People from all corners of this country have called me, including former members of the House of Representatives, who are in the APC.

    “My pledge today is to work with you and the presidential candidate of the party while trying to consolidate on the gains made so far.”

    Na’abba expressed confidence that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will win at the polls on March 28.

    He added: I believe that in General Buhari, we have a messiah and I also believe that democracy is about consultations. You must consult, accept and be patient. Patience is the only thing in life that when you do, you will never regret. So, let us be patient; let us be steadfast. Let me thank members of the Working Committee and other elders of the party for arranging to receive me.

    “ It is very remarkable that a convention was held and a free and fair election was conducted in which Gen. Buhari emerged as the presidential candidate of the party and I am a witness to how popular Gen. Buhari is, not just in the North, but all over the country.

    “I am happy that he is going to be the next president of this country and when he becomes the next president of Nigeria, it is our desire that he continues to be a national leader and not a sectional leader.” Nigerians, Na’abba said, have come a long way, adding that the nation could not continue to be ruled on the basis of divisiveness.

    He gave insights into why he decided to join political leaders of like minds in APC.

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “When I and other senior members of the party left the PDP between 2005 and 2007, a lot of things happened that we thought were undemocratic and we had to leave the party. Eventually, some of us returned after the late President Umaru Yar’Adua made certain promises to effect change in the party, which never happened.

    “We thought that we could cohabit within the party and it is a sad commentary on that party that today, majority of not only the founding fathers, but founding members have left the party, and many of them are on this high table. Our elder and father, Alhaji Ishiaku Ibrahim, is a founding member of the party, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chief Audu Ogbeh, who was a former chairman of the party. We also have some of my colleagues here and others who we could not invite due to the constraint of time.

    “It is barely two weeks to elections and it is important that I come here and be received so that we will go and continue to work towards the success of the party.” (Continued on Page 2)